Chief’s Counsel: The Price of Readiness
Understanding On-Call Payment Requirements
The practice of placing officers “on call” raises questions concerning a municipality’s obligation to pay officers, as well as the ability to restrict such officers’ activities while on an “on-call” status. Many smaller departments operate without 24-hour daily coverage, often relying on beeper/pager, radio, or phone contact to summon off-duty officers in cases of emergency.

